Osimhen Leads Nigeria Past Algeria Into AFCON Semi-Finals

Nigeria kept their Africa Cup of Nations title charge firmly on course after dispatching Algeria 2-0 in a tense quarter-final clash at the Stade de Marrakech. After a tight and physical first half, the Super Eagles raised their tempo after the break and found the cutting edge that Algeria lacked, booking a deserved place in the last four.

The opening 45 minutes were attritional, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield and chances coming at a premium. Algeria enjoyed spells of possession and threatened from set pieces, while Nigeria looked most dangerous on the counter through Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Despite the intensity, the teams went into the interval deadlocked at 0-0, with goalkeepers largely untroubled.

Nigeria struck just two minutes into the second half to swing the tie decisively in their favour. Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a dangerous cross from the left and Osimhen, alive inside the six-yard box, powered a close-range header straight down the middle to give the Super Eagles the lead. It was a classic striker’s finish and a reminder of Osimhen’s importance on the biggest stage.

Algeria tried to respond by introducing fresh legs, including Riyad Mahrez’s replacement and later Baghdad Bounedjah, but Nigeria remained compact and disciplined. Their defensive shape frustrated the Fennecs, forcing them into rushed shots and hopeful deliveries that failed to trouble Stanley Nwabali.

The decisive second goal arrived in the 57th minute and again Osimhen was at the heart of it. Breaking quickly from midfield, the Napoli striker led a devastating counter-attack before squaring the ball for Akor Adams, who made no mistake from the centre of the box to double Nigeria’s advantage. The goal sucked the life out of Algeria’s challenge and underlined Nigeria’s clinical edge.

From there, Nigeria expertly managed the game. Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi stood firm at the back, while Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi disrupted Algeria’s rhythm in midfield. The Fennecs pushed forward late on but were limited to half chances, including a speculative effort from Ramy Bensebaini that flew harmlessly wide.

At the final whistle, Nigeria’s players celebrated a professional and mature performance that reflected their status as one of the tournament’s most consistent sides. With 12 goals scored across their AFCON campaign so far and another clean sheet secured, the Super Eagles now march into the semi-finals full of belief, while Algeria exit the competition having failed to convert early promise into tangible reward.